Imperatives of Health Psychologist in the Control and Management of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa

George O. Ayenigbara, S. O. Olowolabi, R. O. Adeleke

Human Kinetics and Health Education Unit, Science and Technical Education Department, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria.

DOI: 10.4236/wja.2014.42021                

Abstract

The paper studied the imperatives of health psychologists in the control and management of HIV/ AIDS. HIV/AIDS is a relatively new disease, but has caused more deaths than any other disease in human history, and there is no known cure yet. Even though, HIV/AIDS is a death sentence, experts agreed that early detection, and early commencement of treatment may prolong the life of the patients, and that early detection may prevent or reduce the transmission of the virus. Early detection, commencement of treatment, and compliance with medical advice are the responsibilities of the health psychologist. This paper therefore, concludes that health psychologist is indispensable in effective control, and management of HIV/AIDS, and so recommends that awareness be created on the roles of health psychologists in this regard, through health education.

Keywords

HIV/AIDS, Health Psychologist, Chimpanzees, Monkeys, Management, Control, Antiretroviral, Bubonic Plague

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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